Mere vs. Multi-Literacies

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Concepts/Definitions:
  • Mere Literacies: Centered on Language only, and usually on a singular national form of language at that, which is conceived as a stable system base on rules such as mastering sound-letter correspondence.

vs.

  • Multi Literacies: A pedagogy of understanding that calls for a much broader view of literacy than portrayed by traditional language based approaches due to multiplicity of communication channels and increasing cultural and linguistic diversity in the world.

Mere Literacies
Pros:
  1. The foundation of developing understanding through reading signs.
  2. It is a "stand alone" pedagogy in that you can convey it without prior knowledge.
  3. In the world today (early 21st century) that is a results and economically focused and driven society, you can not be highly successful without these skills.
  4. In this world, that is more result driven, this form of learning is more measurable because achievement is more concrete.
Cons:
  1. Students may learn to read without comprehension.
  2. Is not conducive to fluidity between mediums.
  3. Can exclude students with different learning styles/backgrounds, which can stunt social learning situations.

Multi Literacies

Pros:
  1. Promotes an understanding of a text and its' contest.
  2. It is more practical in the sense that it is a skill that can be applied across a variety of subjects and situations.
  3. Conducive to more socially and academically profitable classroom discussions/conversations.
  4. Can support a more diverse student body.
  5. Fits the principals of UDL.
Cons:
  1. An individual's ability to engage in multi literacies is dependent on their understanding of mere literacies.
  2. Is not conducive to quantifiable judgement of output, thus not practically applicable in today's society for policy making and law making.